04.01.2026 16:02
In recent years, the "diversification of axes" and the "Re-Asia" initiative in Turkish foreign policy have also elevated the profiles of the members of parliament in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to a more strategic position. In this context, AK Party Gaziantep Deputy Ali Şahin stands out as one of Ankara's soft power elements, beyond the classic identity of a deputy, with his academic background, language proficiency, and diplomatic experience.
When the political career of AK Party Gaziantep Deputy Ali Şahin is examined, three key parameters stand out that transform him from a "regional politician" into an "international actor."
"SOUTH ASIA MEMORY" AND STRATEGIC DEPTH
Analysts define Ali Şahin's most prominent feature as his expertise in South Asia and Pakistan, which is rarely found in Turkish politics. Completing his undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi, Pakistan, Şahin transformed this academic background into an institutional memory by establishing the South Asia Strategic Research Center (GASAM).
Şahin's influence in this region is not limited to theoretical knowledge. His contributions to Turkey-Pakistan relations on the ground have been recognized by the Pakistani State with one of the country's most prestigious civilian awards, the "Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam." This situation indicates that Şahin has taken on a "crisis resolver" and "bridge builder" mission along the Ankara-Islamabad line.
SYNTHESIS OF "EAST-WEST" IN LANGUAGE DIPLOMACY
While proficiency in Western languages such as English and French is common in the parliamentary arithmetic, Ali Şahin's language portfolio stands out with a strategic Eastern language like Urdu. His proficiency in Urdu allows him to communicate directly and without an interpreter with the local people and leaders, materializing the concept of "heart diplomacy." Şahin's command of English and Arabic also makes him an effective figure in the geography of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: A HYBRID POLITICIAN MODEL
Ali Şahin's career profile reveals that he is not confined to a single region but possesses a global vision. In political circles, Şahin is regarded as a successful example of the "Diplomat-Politician" hybrid model.
His role as Deputy Minister for European Union Affairs shows his command of Western bureaucracy, while his presidency of the Turkish Delegation to the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) demonstrates his influence in South America; this indicates that Şahin aligns with Turkey's "360-degree diplomacy" understanding. His membership in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly also completes the security aspect of this multifaceted profile.
COMPLEMENTARY POWER ON THE GROUND
In summary, Gaziantep Deputy Ali Şahin positions himself as a "complementary power" element in Turkey's international relations, beyond the legislative activities of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, with his technical equipment and field experience. Especially in Turkey's Asian opening and relations with the Islamic world, the intellectual and diplomatic capital that Şahin possesses is expected to play a critical role in the upcoming period.